Cervical radiculopathy is a disease process marked by nerve compression, typically from herniated disk material or arthritic bone spurs in the neck. This impingement typically produces neck and radiating arm pain or numbness, sensory deficits (eg. pins and needles), or motor dysfunction in the neck and upper extremities. The impingement occurs where the nerve leaves the spine, and causes symptoms to be felt along the length of the nerve – in the same way that knocking your “funny bone” causes symptoms at the site, and further along the length of the ulnar nerve.

Shin splints are common in people who do a lot of springing on the balls of their feet, such as runners, tennis players and fell-walkers. They aren't usually serious, but can stop you from exercising and may get worse if you ignore them; it's important not to run through the pain. They can usually be treated at home and should start to get better within a week or two.

Symptoms of SI Syndrome consist of pain at the base of the spine which is located usually on one side, with pain then being referred down the back of the leg, rarely below the knee. Pain is typically pinching in the lower back with a background ache, whilst the leg pain is usually just the ache. The SI joint itself allows for movement of the pelvis as we walk, and enlarges to allow the passage of a baby during birth. It is particularly susceptible to injury when stepping downwards with the knee straight, or when lifting/carrying with the weight all on one side.

In TENS therapy, a small, device delivers low-voltage electrical current through the skin via electrodes placed near the source of pain. The electricity from the electrodes stimulates nerves in the affected area and "scrambles" normal pain perception. Traditionally used for the relief of chronic pain, there is an increasing body of evidence that TENS is also effective for acute pain.

NB: TENS therapy is only effective when the machine is switched on; at Back In Action we have a rental machine for you to try for a week before investing £40-£60 in a machine of your own (easily available from Amazon).

Low back pain that has been present for longer than three months is considered chronic. More than 80% of all health care costs can be attributed to chronic LBP. Nearly a third of people seeking treatment for low back pain will have persistent moderate pain for one year after an acute episode.

Symptoms of costovertebral syndrome include pain on moving the spine, especially twisting and side bending. Pain and tenderness is typically located to one side of the spine and may radiate to the shoulder blade or chest, typically following the line of 1-2 ribs. There will often be pain or discomfort taking deep breaths, coughing and sneezing; and there may be a reduction in flexibility in the thoracic spine, or muscle spasm either close to the spine, or following the line between two ribs.